After Microsoft’s release with Surface, HP was been precluded from releasing a Windows RT tablet based on an ARM chip. HP even went to the extreme by scuttling the plans for an RT tablet. HP also publicly stated that Microsoft’s device is “slow, kludgy” and “expensive”.

Of course, HP is not just doing it for Microsoft. They also have several good reasons to go for Android. They could try to take the lead in bringing Android tablets to large corporate businesses. Samsung has done that with their phones.

HP is the largest PC maker in the world. If a chance to go for Android will come, they can spearhead Android for business. Bajarin also noted that “HP could see that as a big opportunity”.

Being late is not a problem when it comes to Android . "All the development in Android up to this point accrues so they can claim to be on board without a whole lot of development that they have to do independently," Kay said.

Currently, HP is handling a Windows 8-based ElitePad 900 tablet and a Windows 8 hybrid tablet-laptop: the Envy x2. Both of these devices are running on a power efficient yet relatively slow Intel Atom processor.